Pearl and Co.

I have never met anyone who actually looks forward to visiting the dentist. In fact, for some folks, it is a truly terrifying experience. I personally know someone who is so terrified that he has not seen a dentist for at least ten years. Here, where I live, a few kilometres from the town of Sitia on the island of Crete, we have several really great dentists, so even a completely cowardly sniffling wretch like me willingly attends the appointments. Naturally, I totally deny that my willingness to visit my current dentist has anything to do with the fact that she is an extremely attractive lady. I maintain that I visit her because she appears to treat my teeth with an expertise that promotes a pain-free experience. Hmmm.

In the USA, a dentist in California who recognises that some people are so phobic has developed a rather unique way of reducing the stress levels in her patients.

Despite the huge advances in dentistry, the reclining chair, anaesthesia, antibiotics, pain relief, etc., the terror of the dentist remains. Sadly, this issue can start at a very early age and can last a lifetime. Now let’s return to the reclining chair. This really is an amazing piece of kit and is the only reason that this particular therapy works. You sit in the chair, which is upright, and without appearing to do anything, the dentist presses a pedal, and you are placed in the exact position that is required by the dentist.

A novel solution

Enter Pearl, a five-year-old therapy dog that assists in calming any patient. This dog, a Samoyed with the most docile temperament, has been specially trained to assist the dentist by allowing her to operate on a patient who is as relaxed as it is possible to be. So whilst the dentist is preparing to delve into the darkest corners of your mouth, filling cavities, doing root canals and extractions, the patient is lying down on the chair. An assistant  then enters the consulting room, lifts Pearl up and gently places her on top of the patient so you are actually cuddling and stroking this large hairy canine whilst the dentist is working on your canines. (Pardon the pun)

It seems that Pearl is not alone. In Colorado, there is Annie the Labrador; in Manhattan, there is Luna the crossbreed and Dr Aldo the Labrador travels when requested to dental clinics. I am delighted to find that this idea is catching on in the UK and other countries

I am convinced that one of the fastest evolving events in the  world is this one, where we are finding more innovative ways to make use of our most loyal friend’s extraordinary skills

Considerations and alternatives

Now, this won’t work for everyone; there is going to be resistance from some patients. Obvious examples are the fear of dogs, and in some cultures, dogs are considered unclean. There will be concerns regarding hygiene and allergies to pet hair; however, this may be managed by using hypoallergenic dogs like Poodles, Bichon Frise or any of the breeds that fall into this category. Even for very young children, Miniature Poodles and Chihuahuas are a perfect size and will be a huge step forward as we introduce more humans to the benefits of canine therapy. There is another upside to using pets: the younger we introduce children to the advantages of being around animals, the more committed they will be to animal welfare.

Whilst no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the risk of getting a reaction is hugely reduced by being in contact with one of these breeds that are recognised as such. But even with the restrictions that may limit a small minority of people receiving the benefits from meeting Pearl the Samoyed and others like her, for the overwhelming majority, a visit to the dentist will never be the same again.

Finally, one of the fascinations of dentistry for me, and I don’t know if this phenomenon is worldwide, but everywhere I’ve been, dentists all have the same peculiar habit of asking questions that require an answer. As we are lying there horizontal with our mouths wide open and half our face frozen with the anaesthetic, our reply is total gibberish and sounds like a demented Dalek on tranquillisers.  Now what is really odd is they seem to understand every word we say and therefore I can only assume that they receive special training in deciphering this verbal nonsense!!!!